Monday, January 21, 2008

Colonial Shimla.

Around trip will cover approximately six kilometers along level stretches and slopes. Plan for around two hours-and depending on your interest and pace, this could well become a half-day walk.

From ‘Scandal Point’ on the mall, this walk goes to the Indian Institute of Advanced Study, the former Viceregal Lodge. Zigzagging a little, the route is across the non-shopping areas of the mall; and this walk is designed to include as many of the interesting site that lie along or just off the track. Some places may seem to have been missed on the way while going, but are covered on the way back.

The Glen WalkFrom Scandal Point to the Glen which is a narrow valley through which a stream flows.

This is more of a nature trail that goes to one of Shimla’s most popular picnic sport.

Direction, approximate Time and Distance

This walk covers about seven to eight kilometers from Scandal Point. Plan for three hours or longer.

HighlightsBuilt heritage till Knockdrin.

The views, the trees, the little stream, the birds, and perhaps some deer and butterflies while we are at it.

The Annandale Walk

From Scandal point to Annandale past Kumar House;
The way back is through Lower Kaithu.

Direction, approximate Time and Distance

The first leg of the walk trail is up o nockdrin and the second leg is identical to the Glen walk up to the horseshoe bend .For the thired leg to rech Annandale, follow he metalled road all through. This passes through thick deodar woods to reach a large open glade.the walk towards Annandale is largely downhill and all uphill on the return. From Scandal Point on the mall, this cover a distance of six seven kilometers. Plan for three hours or more.
The routs may also be dovetailed with the Glen Walk, which will then take a total of around five hours or more and will cover eight to twelve kilometers.
Highlights
Built heritage up to knockdrin, the woods and the views, the glade of Annandale, The Museum of Military History, Some old houses

From Scandal Point to The temple of Kamna Devi, atop Prospect Hill, this is accessed from Boileauganj

Direction, approximate Time and Distance

This walk also goes west from Scandal Point on the mall. The approximate distance covered will be six to eight kilometers. Plan for at least two hours. Almost up to the gates of the Indian Institute of Advanced Study.

HighlightsBuilt heritage, The Views, Kamna Devi Temple

From Scandal Point to Chadwick Falls and back through Summer Hill after a glimpse of Potters’ Hill.

Direction, approximate Time and Distance

Chadwick Falls – which everyone includes, is his or her itinerary but never gets around to visiting – lie in the western edges of Shimla, as dose potters’ Hill. This is a long walk and if you intend using your legs all the way from Scandal Point and back, plan for five to six hours. You will cover between twelve to fifteen kilometers along slopes and level stretches. The last leg of two Kilometers or so is along a narrow path in a forest.

Highlights
Built heritage up to the former Viceregal Lodge, Summer Hill, The woods and views, Chadwick Falls, Potters’ Hill, Summer Hill Railway Station, Boileauganj (if included as a routs extension), Prospect Hill And the temple of Kamna Devi (if included as a routs extension),

From the telegraph Office, via the Mall to Barnes’ Court and then back to the Ridge over the Forest Hill Road.

Direction, approximate Time and Distance

This walk goes from the shopping area of the mall and loops back to the Ridge via Barnes’ Court (or Raj Bhavan, the official residence of the state governor), the Forest Hill Road (also called “Lovers’ Lane”) and the Ramchandra Chowk. This walk as slopes. Plan for two hours or more.

HighlightsBuilt heritage, the views and the trees, The Mall, The Gaiety Theatre, Oakover and The Cedars, Woodville and Barnes’ Court, U.S. Club (United Services Club), Christ Church, the Ridge.

Jakho (Jakhoo, Jakhu) is the hill that dominates Shimla and is topped by the temple to Bhagwan Hanuman.

Direction, approximate Time and Distance This goes up to the temple dedicated to Bhagwan Hanuman and then on above Sanjauli to circle the hill. Starting Ridge, Lakkar Bazaar, Snowdown, walker hospital and then winds up to Jakhoo temple. The total walk route covers a little over five kilometers. Plan for two hours or more.

Highlights
Abundance of Himalayan flora and fauna especially bird watching. Built heritage Lakkar Bazaar, site for Snowdown and Walker military hospital. Rothney Castle, Jakho Temple, The views from Jakho

Down to the temple of a local harvest deity, Dhanu Devta.

Direction, approximate Time and Distance

This unusual walk is down Shimla’s southern valley to a place called Bihargaon – while this is the general term used for the ares, there are smaller villages with individual names.
The walk goes past one of the old graveyards to touch the three temples of Dhanu Devta and then climbs back to town via pine draped Tuttikandi, or through Khalini. It is all downhill while going and uphill on the return. A fair test for both lungs and legs, the round trip from the level of the mall covers six to eight kilometers. Plan for four hours or more.

HighlightsThe old graveyard, The woods, The temples of Dhanu Devta, The villages of Kalyana, Klare and Kaloa, Tuttikandi

To the Bharari spur.

Direction, approximate Time and Distance

A relatively unexplored area full of good walks along wide roads or narrow paths is the Bharari spur. There are no grand monuments of built heritage along this track, but there are some attractive old cottages, patches of woodland and some superb views.

Highlights
The views, the paths, Built heritage (mostly cottages) and the former Elysium, Longwood and Craig Dhu hotels.

A short walk through Shimla’s Lower Bazaar.

Direction, approximate Time and Distance

The Lower Bazaar runs roughly parallel to the Mall. This walk starts at the D.C’.s office and winds up at the sher-e-Punjab end. Depending on the time you take to dissect the shops, sample the wares, jostle and be jostled, the walking time is just about half an hour. The distance is barely a kilometers and a half.

Highlights
The architecture, the shops, The Ganj, The tunnel

From the village of Charabra, which is en route to Kufri, on the National Highway Down to the golf course at Naldehara.

Direction, approximate Time and Distance

From Charabra, the walk goes down along narrow roads to Naldehra and is a relatively long one. There are three points where you can terminate the walk and return to Shimla. The frst is Mashobra (three kilometers from Charabra), Baldian (six Kilometers from Charabra) and Naldehra (ten kilometers from charabra). At any of these points you can take a bus or taxi or have your car meet you to return to Shimla. Throughout the day, buses are available easily, though at times these are quite full and may rattle a bone or two.
Most of the walk between Charabra and Naldehra is downhill, barring a mild incline between Mashobra and the Fruit Research Station. Of course, you can walk back from Naldehra; and if you plan to do this, an early start is suggested. Then the return need not take you back to Charabra, but follow the highway to Shimla via Mashobra, Dhalli and Sanjauli.

Highlights
Colonial cottages, The President’s Retreat, The views, the woods and flora, Mashobra, Horticulture Research Station, Naldehra, Glade of Sipur, as an option.

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About Me

"IN A HUNDRED AGES OF THE GODS I COULD NOT TELL THEE OF THE GLORIES OF HIMACHAL, WHERE SHIVA LIVES...

AS THE DEW IS DRIED BY THE MORNING SUN, SO ARE THE SINS OF MANKIND BY THE MERE SIGHT OF HIMACHAL."

- THE SKANDA PURAN

Travel passionate, love to share Natural, Historical, Geographical and Topographical aspects of Himalaya. Strive to create awareness about possible threats to these fragile Eco-Systems. Moreover, giving back to the communities we visit.